Cable coupler having retained wedges
A cable coupler includes a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways sized and shaped to receive a cable, with each passageway including a tapered portion. A wedge assembly is disposed in each tapered portion to secure a cable to the body. A clip assembly is attached to the body adjacent the tapered portion of each of the passageways and is shiftable between a closed position in which the clip assembly is positioned to prevent an adjacent one of the wedge assemblies from exiting the corresponding passageway and an open position in which the adjacent wedge assembly is insertable into the tapered portion of the corresponding passageway.
Latest Dywidag-Systems International USA Patents:
The invention relates generally to cable couplers for joining a pair of cables under tension and, more specifically, to a cable coupler having retained wedges.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCable couplers that couple two tensioned cables together are used in many applications. For example, in underground mining operations a cable roof truss is created in an underground mine passage generally consists of a tensioned cable extending between a pair of embedded roof anchors. Many times, the tensioned cable is made up of two sections which must be joined by a coupler. The construction industry also uses joined cables in a number of applications, such as in column wrapping, ring-tensioning applications, or with barrier cable installations often seen in parking garages.
A first design for a cable coupler is known as a spacer tube, often rectangular in section that has two barrels extending through the coupler. The cables are pulled through the barrels in opposite directions and tensioned. A set of wedge pieces are placed in the barrels adjacent the cables and the cables are released. The cables pull backward under their own tension, drawing the wedge pieces into the barrel. The wedge pieces grip the cables and lock the cables relative to the coupler.
A second design incorporates a curved path for each of the cables. This design, commonly known as the “dog bone” coupler due to the distinctive shape of the coupler, is different than the spacer tube in that the passages for the cables are curved to reduce sharp edges and to more evenly distribute the forces along the cable. Again, after the cables are tensioned and released, the cables and the retaining wedges are drawn into the tapered passageways of the coupler, drawing the wedge pieces into progressively greater contact with the cables so that the wedge pieces grip and lock the cables relative to the coupler.
In both of the aforementioned designs, the user must first insert both cables through the barrels of the coupler and then, using a tensioner, place the cables under tension. The wedge pieces must be manually placed adjacent the cables and in the tapered portion of the barrels. Unfortunately, these loose wedge pieces can easily fall to the ground during installation, and the wedge pieces may be lost in the darkness of a mine passage. Valuable time may be lost looking for and recovering any dropped or lost wedge pieces. To alleviate this often-encountered problem, suppliers generally provide extra wedges with the cable coupler. However, even if the wedge pieces are not lost, time and manual dexterity are required to insert the wedges into the coupler, which may have to be accomplished in a cold and/or dark setting.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and the equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONReferring now to the drawings, and specifically to
Referring back to
The cable truss system 30 includes a second cable 48 with a first end 50 and a second end 52. A second bore 54 extends into the mine roof 32 at an angle outward from the mine passage 34. The second end 52 of the second cable 48 is disposed in the second bore 54. In this example, a second resin cartridge 56 is also disposed in the second bore 54 and secures the second end 52 of the second cable 48 in the second bore 54. Again, other known elements and methods can be used to secure the second cable 48 in the second bore 54. The second cable 48 extends through a second ring eye plate 58 and presses the eye plate 58 upward against the roof 32 of the mine passage 34.
The first end 38 of the first cable 36 and the first end 50 of the second cable 48 are both disposed in the cable coupler 10, as will be detailed herein. The cable coupler 10 maintains both the first cable 36 and the second cable 48 in a state of tension so as to create a compressive force on the roof 32 in the mine passage 34 to help support the roof 32.
Referring now to
The first passageway 18 and the second passageway 20 extend from the first end 14 to the second end 16. Preferably, the passageways are disposed in a common plane. The first passageway 18 includes a tapered portion 62 which forms a seat for the wedges as would be common practice. The tapered portion 62 is generally conically shaped and is disposed adjacent the first passageway 18 near the first end 14.
The cable coupler 10 includes a cable lock 64 disposed adjacent the first end 14 of the first passageway 18. The cable lock 64 includes the wedge assembly 24, the clip 22, and a plug 66.
The retaining clip 22 may be positioned to engage the wedge assembly 24 as shown in
Each of the first wedge piece 68 and the second wedge piece 70 have an engaging face 76a, 76b such that when the wedge pieces 68, 70 are assembled to form the wedge assembly 24, the engaging faces 76a, 76b are in confronting relationship. Each of the first and second wedge pieces 68, 70 also include an internal cylindrical section 78a, 78b. When the wedge pieces 68, 70 are assembled to form the wedge assembly 24, the internal cylindrical sections 78a, 78b form a generally circular passage way 80 within the wedge assembly 24. A set of teeth 82 is disposed on the internal cylindrical sections 78a, 78b and is formed in a known way such that an object in the circular passage way 80 may be slid from the tip 74 of the wedge assembly 24 towards the base 72, but locked with respect to sliding from the base 72 toward the tip 74. A groove or recess 84 is disposed on the outside surface of each of the wedge pieces 68 70, generally adjacent to the base 72. The groove 84 encircles the wedge assembly 24 at a generally constant distant from the base 72.
The clip 22 includes a first end 86 disposed in a first recess 88 in the sidewall 60 near the first end 14 of the first passageway 18. The clip 22 further includes a second end 90 disposed in a second recess 90 (obstructed in the FIG.) and formed opposite the first recess 88. The clip 22 includes a pair of lateral portions 92a, 92b extending away from the first and second ends 86, 90, and a pair of side portions 94a, 94b extending towards each other from the lateral portions 92a, and 92b. As can be seen in
A ring 96 is sized to be seated in the groove 84 of the wedge assembly 24, and may serve to assist in retaining the wedge assembly 24 within the tapered portion 62, and may also generally maintain the wedge pieces 68, 70 together as the first cable 36 is pushed through the first passageway 18 and through the wedge assembly 24. The ring 96 is preferably a resilient O-ring formed from, for example, rubber or other suitable material. The ring 96 can also be made from plastic or a suitable metal, and is preferably flexible facilitate easy installation of the ring 96 into the groove 84 around the wedge assembly 24.
The plug 66 of the cable coupler 10 is disposed in the circular passage way 80 in the wedge assembly 24. The plug 66 maintains the wedge pieces 68, 70 slightly apart from each other, and the ring 96 maintains the wedge pieces 68, 70 against the plug 66. The plug 66 assists in holding the wedge assembly 24 in a position to receive the first cable 36 when the cable is inserted as shown in
As can be best seen in
Referring back to
Referring now to
The process of inserting the cables 36, 48 into the cable coupler 10 and locking the cables 36, 48 in the cable coupler 10 will now be described. Referring again to
The first cable 36 is shown inserted partially into the first passageway 18. In general, this step is performed by hand as a user simply holds the anchor 10 in one hand and the first end 38 of the first cable 36 in the other hand and inserts the first cable 36 into the first passageway 18. It will be appreciated that in accordance with the disclosed example the clip 22 and the ring 96 cooperate to maintain both wedge pieces of the wedge assembly 24 in the tapered portion of the passageway, thus preventing or minimizing the chances that one or more wedge pieces will be dropped and/or lost.
As shown in
Referring now to
The user can tighten the first and second cables 36, 48 by hand by pulling each of them until they are taut or by suitable machine tensioning. Referring again to the first cable 36, the clip 22 maintains the wedge assembly 24 in position generally in the tapered portion 62 as the first cable 36 is inserted through the wedge assembly 24 and the plug 66 is pushed out. After the first cable 36 has been pulled through the body and the cable has been tensioned, the wedge assembly 24 has been pulled into the tapered portion 62. The ring 96 is preferably resilient enough so as not to interfere with the motion of the wedge pieces into the tapered portion 62 such that the ring 96 does not interfere with the stressing of the first cable 24.
At this point a tensioner is generally employed to pull the first cable 36 through the anchor 10. When a predetermined tension has been reached and the first cable 36 has been stretched a predetermined distance, the tensioner releases the first cable 36. Referring now to
The tension in the first cable 36 creates a force F1 along the first axis A1 and the tension in the second cable 48 creates a force F2 along the second axis A2. Because the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are generally aligned, the force F1 and the force F2 are opposite one another. This may serve to minimize any torque that would be created if the forces F1 and F2 were skew. Accordingly, the cable coupler 10 does not twist or twists only at a minimum, and the cables 36, 48 are not forced against the edges of the passageways 18, 20.
In accordance with the disclosed example, the clip 22 holding the wedge pieces 68, 70 in the wedge seat allows the user to simply insert the first cable 36 through the first passageway 18 with perhaps less manipulation of the wedge pieces 68, 70. The user may not have to manually insert the wedge pieces 68, 70 into the tapered portion 62 after the cable 36 is placed in the first passageway 18, as in the prior art. The disclosed example further alleviates the problem associated with dark working conditions of a mine passage in which the small wedges may become lost. The manufacturer may find the disclosed example lessens or eliminates the need to include extra wedge pieces. As can be understood, the present design may be faster and easier to use relative to the prior art.
Referring now to
Once the wedge assembly, the plug, and the ring are inserted into the tapered portion as discussed above, the clip 22 may be shifted to a closed position, such as is shown to the left of
The foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the form disclosed. It is contemplated that various changes and modifications may be those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A cable coupler comprising:
- a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways extending between the first end and the second end, each passageway sized and shaped to receive a cable, each passageway including a tapered portion;
- the tapered portion of the first passageway disposed adjacent the first end of the body and the tapered portion of the second passageway disposed adjacent the second end of the body;
- a first wedge assembly disposed in the tapered portion of the first passageway and a second wedge assembly disposed in the tapered portion of the second passageway, each of the first and second wedge assemblies comprising at least two wedge pieces and arranged to secure a cable to the body; and
- a first retaining clip disposed adjacent the first end of the body adjacent the tapered portion and a second retaining clip disposed adjacent the second end of the body adjacent the tapered portion;
- each retaining clip shiftable between a closed position in which the retaining clip obstructs a portion of the corresponding passageway thereby preventing the corresponding wedge assembly from exiting the corresponding passageway, and an open position in which the corresponding passageway is unobstructed.
2. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein each wedge piece includes a recess, and a retaining ring is sized to fit in the recess and arranged to hold the wedge pieces together.
3. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein the first passageway and the second passageway extend in a common plane.
4. The cable coupler of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring disposed around at least one of the wedge assemblies.
5. The cable coupler of claim 4, wherein the O-ring is seated in a groove defined in a portion of the at least one wedge assembly.
6. The cable coupler of claim 4, wherein the O-ring is resilient and is sized to fit within a portion of the passageway.
7. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein each of the retaining clips includes a pair of ends, each of the pair of ends disposed in a corresponding recess in the body.
8. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is flexible.
9. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein the retaining clip is formed of spring steel.
10. The cable coupler of claim 1, further comprising a plug disposed in each of the wedge assemblies, the plug arranged to maintain each of the wedge assemblies generally adjacent the corresponding retaining clip when the corresponding retaining clip is in the closed position.
11. The cable coupler of claim 10, wherein the plug is cylindrical.
12. The cable coupler of claim 1, wherein the wedge pieces include a recess, and an O-ring is sized to fit within the recess.
13. The cable coupler of claim 12, including a cylindrical plug sized for insertion between the wedge pieces.
14. The cable coupler of claim 12, wherein the retaining clip is C-shaped and includes a pair of ends, each end sized to engage a mounting recess in the body.
15. A cable coupler comprising:
- a body having a first end, a second end, and first and second passageways extending between the first end and the second end, each passageway sized and shaped to receive a cable, each passageway including a tapered portion, the tapered portion of the first passageway and the tapered portion of the second passageway disposed at opposite ends of the body;
- a wedge assembly disposed in the tapered portion of each passageway and arranged to secure a cable to the body from opposite directions;
- a pair of recesses formed on opposite sides of the body adjacent each of the ends; and
- a clip assembly provided adjacent each of the ends of the body, each clip assembly operatively coupled to a pair of the recesses, each clip assembly shiftable between a closed position in which the clip assembly obstructs a portion of the corresponding passageway, thereby preventing an adjacent one of the wedge assemblies from exiting the corresponding passageway, and an open position in which the adjacent wedge assembly is insertable into the tapered portion of the corresponding passageway.
16. The cable coupler of claim 15, wherein each wedge assembly includes a cylindrical plug.
17. The cable coupler of claim 15, wherein each wedge assembly includes a pair of wedge halves, each wedge halve including a recess, and further including an O-ring sized to fit in the recess and arranged to hold the wedge halves together.
18. The cable coupler of claim 17, wherein the ring is formed of a resilient material.
19. The cable coupler of claim 15, wherein the first passageway and the second passageway extend in a common plane.
20. The cable coupler of claim 15, wherein each clip assembly includes a pair of ends, each of the pair of ends disposed in a corresponding recess in the body.
21. The cable coupler of claim 20, wherein each clip assembly comprises a C-shaped clip having a central portion sized to partially obstruct the corresponding tapered portion when the clip assembly is in the closed position.
22. The cable coupler of claim 15, wherein each clip assembly is flexible.
1988171 | January 1935 | Frank et al. |
2850937 | September 1958 | Ralston |
3427811 | February 1969 | White |
3505824 | April 1970 | White |
3509726 | May 1970 | White |
3601994 | August 1971 | Gatis |
3650112 | March 1972 | Howlett et al. |
4081954 | April 4, 1978 | Arnold |
4140428 | February 20, 1979 | McLain et al. |
4265571 | May 5, 1981 | Scott |
4349300 | September 14, 1982 | Kelley |
4367664 | January 11, 1983 | Ekshtut |
4384812 | May 24, 1983 | Miyagawa |
4395161 | July 26, 1983 | Wilson et al. |
4449855 | May 22, 1984 | Langwadt |
4473209 | September 25, 1984 | Gallis et al. |
4498816 | February 12, 1985 | Korpela et al. |
4596496 | June 24, 1986 | Tyrell et al. |
4601616 | July 22, 1986 | Barish et al. |
4630974 | December 23, 1986 | Sherman |
4634318 | January 6, 1987 | Koumal |
4648753 | March 10, 1987 | Stephan |
4666344 | May 19, 1987 | Seegmiller |
4699547 | October 13, 1987 | Seegmiller |
4724639 | February 16, 1988 | Moser |
4749310 | June 7, 1988 | White |
4759177 | July 26, 1988 | Brazell |
4798501 | January 17, 1989 | Spies |
4832534 | May 23, 1989 | Duvieusart |
4884377 | December 5, 1989 | Matt |
4934873 | June 19, 1990 | Calandra, Jr. |
4946315 | August 7, 1990 | Chugh et al. |
4960348 | October 2, 1990 | Seegmiller |
5026217 | June 25, 1991 | Seegmiller |
5176473 | January 5, 1993 | Seegmiller |
5193940 | March 16, 1993 | Long |
5219253 | June 15, 1993 | Shinjo |
5222837 | June 29, 1993 | Phillips |
5230589 | July 27, 1993 | Gillespie |
5238329 | August 24, 1993 | Long et al. |
5259703 | November 9, 1993 | Gillespie |
5302056 | April 12, 1994 | Calandra, Jr. et al. |
5378087 | January 3, 1995 | Locotos |
5415498 | May 16, 1995 | Seegmiller |
5425602 | June 20, 1995 | Seegmiller |
5462391 | October 31, 1995 | Castle et al. |
5466095 | November 14, 1995 | Scott |
5544982 | August 13, 1996 | Seegmiller |
5584608 | December 17, 1996 | Gillespie |
5624212 | April 29, 1997 | Gillespie |
5755535 | May 26, 1998 | Fox |
5797659 | August 25, 1998 | Fuller |
5829922 | November 3, 1998 | Calandra, Jr. et al. |
5913641 | June 22, 1999 | Long |
5919006 | July 6, 1999 | Calandra, Jr. et al. |
5967703 | October 19, 1999 | Stankus et al. |
6056482 | May 2, 2000 | Calandra, Jr. et al. |
6088985 | July 18, 2000 | Clark |
6113060 | September 5, 2000 | Wilde |
6293067 | September 25, 2001 | Meendering |
6322290 | November 27, 2001 | Calandra et al. |
6533603 | March 18, 2003 | Togami |
6619888 | September 16, 2003 | Calandra, Jr. et al. |
6712574 | March 30, 2004 | Roopnarine |
6722099 | April 20, 2004 | Gilbert et al. |
6884005 | April 26, 2005 | Seegmiller |
7066688 | June 27, 2006 | Wallstein et al. |
7066746 | June 27, 2006 | Togami et al. |
7118310 | October 10, 2006 | Wallstein et al. |
7261494 | August 28, 2007 | Stankus et al. |
20030068214 | April 10, 2003 | Sommer et al. |
20050201837 | September 15, 2005 | Stankus et al. |
20060211311 | September 21, 2006 | Wallstein et al. |
198482 | July 1958 | AT |
2313933 | January 2001 | CA |
Type: Grant
Filed: Sep 12, 2005
Date of Patent: Jun 10, 2008
Patent Publication Number: 20060211311
Assignee: Dywidag-Systems International USA (Bolingbrook, IL)
Inventors: Alexander I. Wallstein (Laguna Beach, CA), Raymond Brandon (Grand Junction, CO)
Primary Examiner: Tara L. Mayo
Attorney: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP
Application Number: 11/224,492
International Classification: E21D 21/00 (20060101);